Reynolds v. Louisiana Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control

At the outset, I find it odd that our legislature may enact price-fixing laws for milk, haircuts, all commodities and branded goods without violating constitutionally the right of freedom of contract of those businesses and trades but, when dealing with the price-fixing of intoxicating liquor, a noxious substance which may be legislatively classified as contraband, the police power becomes impotent and the limited privilege the lawmaker accords to those who seek to distribute intoxicants is somehow *179transformed into a basic right of property which cannot be restricted without violating due…